 From left to right are Gileen French, Hillman Music Association Treasurer; Robert Coon, '50, Hillman Music Association President; and Helen Tinch Williams, ’60. |
A luncheon was hosted early this summer by members of the Hillman Opera board to recognize Helen Tinch Williams, ’60, for her outstanding participation in the annual Hillman Opera production.
It was announced at the luncheon that Helen will receive the prestigious Jessie Hillman Award for Excellence at the Hillman Opera this fall.
The presentation will take place prior to the production of Tales of Hoffman, which is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 12 in King Concert Hall.
Retired now from a lifelong career as a public schoolteacher and former adjunct professor at Manhattanville College, Helen Tinch Williams is originally from Buffalo, N.Y. She graduated from SUNY Fredonia in 1960 as a voice major and later earned her master's degree at Manhattanville.
She took advantage of many activities at Fredonia. During her undergraduate years, Helen served as College Choir President, Festival Chorus President, Words and Music President, Junior Class Vice-President, and a member of Beta Sigma Chi. She was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges.
Helen’s late husband, Milton Williams, also graduated from SUNY Fredonia's music program, he in 1957. The Williams have two children, Chris and Vanessa, who are both musicians and accomplished actors.
Helen was recently featured with her daughter on the "TeachersCount.Org" website>>
